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Xanthelasma is a soft, yellowish bump or patch that appears on or around the eyelids. These bumps are made of cholesterol that has collected under the skin. They most often appear on the upper or lower eyelids, near the inner corner of the eye. The bumps themselves are harmless, not painful, and do not affect your vision.
read more about xanthelasma ...For about half the people who get them, xanthelasma are a sign of high cholesterol or other fats in the blood. They can be a warning sign for a higher risk of heart disease. For the other half, blood fat levels are normal, and the cause is not always known. Either way, it is important to get your cholesterol checked if you see them.
These bumps will not go away on their own. If you want them removed for cosmetic reasons, a doctor can help. Removal options include surgery to cut the bump out, laser treatment, freezing it off (cryotherapy), or using a chemical peel. It is common for them to grow back after removal, especially if your cholesterol is high.
The most important step after finding xanthelasma is to see a doctor about your overall health. Lowering your cholesterol through diet, exercise, or medicine will not make the bumps disappear. However, it is very important for lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. It can also help prevent new bumps from forming.
It is easy to confuse xanthelasma with other eyelid bumps, specifically milia. Milia are small, white, hard cysts that look like tiny pearls or whiteheads. They are filled with keratin (skin protein), not cholesterol, and usually appear in clusters. Xanthelasma, by contrast, are typically yellowish, soft, and flat plaques. While milia can often be treated with simple exfoliation or minor extraction, xanthelasma are deeper in the skin and require more advanced removal techniques.
No. Xanthelasma is a benign growth, which means it is not cancerous and will not spread to other parts of your body.
No. While a healthy diet can lower your cholesterol and improve your heart health, it will not make existing xanthelasma go away. Removal requires a medical procedure.
No. Xanthelasma is just a collection of your own body's fat under the skin. You cannot catch it or give it to anyone else.
You should see a doctor if you notice any new yellowish bumps on your eyelids. A doctor can confirm that it is xanthelasma and order a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. This is important to check on your risk for heart disease. You can also discuss options for cosmetic removal with a dermatologist or eye doctor.
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2. Xanthelasma: What It Is, Causes and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23385-xanthelasma. June 25, 2022.
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